Rates of influenza-like illness and winter school breaks, Chile, 2004-2010

Abstract

To determine effects of school breaks on influenza virus transmission in the Southern Hemisphere, we analyzed 2004-2010 influenza-like-illness surveillance data from Chile. Winter breaks were significantly associated with a two-thirds temporary incidence reduction among schoolchildren, which supports use of school closure to temporarily reduce illness, especially among schoolchildren, in the Southern Hemisphere.